Sir Sean Connery has finally announced his decision on Indiana Jones IV: he’s not coming back.

For months, numerous reports on the status of the fourth Indiana Jones adventure have all made mention of the fact that no-one was quite sure whether or not the former James Bond would reprise his role as Professor Henry Jones from 1989’s Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.

With official details on the cast now posted online at IndianaJones.com, it is quite clear Connery isn’t returning. In a statement, he said:

‘I get asked the question so often, I thought it best to make an announcement. I thought long and hard about it and if anything could have pulled me out of retirement it would have been an Indiana Jones film. I love working with Steven and George, and it goes without saying that it is an honor to have Harrison as my son. But in the end, retirement is just too damned much fun. I, do however, have one bit of advice for Junior: Demand that the critters be digital, the cliffs be low, and for goodness sake keep that whip by your side at all times in case you need to escape from the stunt coordinator! This is a remarkable cast, and I can only say, “Break a leg, everyone.” I’ll see you on May 22, 2008, at the theater!’

Connery’s final film role was Allan Quatermain in the 2003 critical and commercial failure, The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen.

Shooting on Indiana Jones IV begins this summer with a release date set for 22 May 2008. The film stars Harrison Ford, Shia LaBeouf, Cate Blanchett, Ray Winstone and John Hurt.